10 Top Widely Used Linux Distributions of 2012

Linux is one of the powerful and standard operating system which at present is growing faster and faster in computer operating system planet. It offers excellent performance and speed. Linux is very stable and reliable in terms of usage. It also provides several administrative tools and utilities that help you to manage your system effectively.

Going back to 90’s Mandrake Linux was the only one in the list of distribution but today the number is growing countless. There are now 100’s of flavors of operating system (OS). This is one of the benefits of open source software. There are lots of Linux distributions out of which we have select top distributions for you considering the major factor such as online support, easy installation, User Friendly;. On the bases of our online research we have compiled a list of ten most top Linux distribution of 2012 for you that help make your choice bit easier.

1. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a computer operating system which is based on Ubuntu. It was launched in 2006 by Clement Lefebvre. Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distributions. The reason behind its popularity is, its user friendly, easy to install, full multimedia support, reliable and safe. It also comes with lots of software’s and applications like Java, web browser plugin adobe flash and many more which by default are not installed by other Linux distributors. It gives you a feeling as you are using Microsoft Windows. Based on Ubuntu and Debian it provided more then 30000 software packages.

2. Ubuntu

Ubuntu is also a computer operating system based on Debian distribution. It is distributed as free and open source software. Ubuntu is an African word which means “Humanity to others“. In other word it also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are‘. It was established as an enterprise server platform in 2004. The first release of Ubuntu was based on GNOME Desktop. Later on added a KDE edition, Kubuntu, and a server edition. Ubuntu is secure; you can surf safely with it. All your files and data will stay protected and kept confidential. It has inbuilt firewall and virus protection to avoid spam and any kind of malware attack. It works excellent with wide range of devices. Simply plugin your camera, printers or any kind of MP3 player. It’s compatible with windows too, you can share, edit files without any hazel. It works very fast on your computer and if your machine is new it’s super-fast. It’s not like other operating system that leaves you staring at the screen and waiting to get started.

3. Mageia

Mageia is a GNU/Linux based computer operating system and is free software for everyone. It’s a distribution brought by the team of employees of France Company that produced Mandriva Linux. The first version was released in September 2010. Second version took flight in the month of May 2012. Mageia comes in GNOME 3.4, KDE4 SC 4.8.2, LXDE, XFCE 4.9, Razor-Qt and E17. It’s very stable and reliable and requires with very low powered hardware. It does not have any issue on Intel, AMD or VIA processors. As far as memory is concern it needs minimum 512MB of RAM. A full setup takes 6GB storage; ideally it needs only 1GB of storage space. It is a community project and a non profitable organization whose aim is to build great tools for people. In simple words Mageia is a user-friendly, stable and very capable for newbie’s.

4. Fedora

Fedora is an operating system and open source software. You can use Fedora as an addition to or can be used instead of Microsoft Windows or Mac OS. Fedora is brought to you by Red Hat, world’s trusted open source technology. Red Hat contribute in Fedora to stimulate collaboration and create new software technologies. All engineers as well as product team members are responsible for Red Hat enterprise Linux use Fedora as an open research. It allows them to experiment new technologies instantly.

5. OpenSuse

OpenSuse is based on GNU/Linux. It is free and open source operating system. It as an alternative to Microsoft Windows with good advantages. It is developed by a community working together with Suse and a number of other companies. OpenSuse is suitable for all kind of devices like laptops, desktop, net books, servers, multimedia PC at home as well as small offices. It is one of the leading distributions among GNU/Linux and also an oldest existing ones. OpenSuse releases its new version every 8 months. Each release provides with security updates for the period of 18 months. In addition it gives you stability and good performance including better scalability of virtual memory management and separation of terminal users’ tasks. OpenSuse is featured with GNOME 3.6, Xfce 4.10 and LXDE 1.1 along with latest KDE Plasma Desktop 4.10 as an alternatives. It also includes GNOME Shell that will be part of the forthcoming GNOME 3. All these software’s are integrated for consistence functionality even in a very light weight systems such as Xfce and LXDE. OpenSuse introduces new tumbleweed rolling release repository as an option to keep you updated continuously. This Tumbleweed contains latest version of software’s like Firefox, Thunderbird which makes you easier to stay updated.

6. Debian

Debian is one of the oldest and most widely used computer operating system worldwide. It is developed by programmers-volunteers from across the entire world on an open development basis which makes constant experiments and addition for new functions and features. The development of Debian is supported by donations through SPI – a non profit organization for open source projects. It is popular due to the fact that Debian is an open source and free under GNU license. However there are many other key facts that have made Debian OS top choice of millions of users across the world. It is Unix based so it can be used as desktop or server operating system that makes a multipurpose solution for your machine no matter whether you are a server administrator or a normal user. It is very easy to install on computer or server. It comes with more than 26000 packages in a user friendly format for user convenience. Debian comes with own APT package management system which gives a easy automated installation and removal of packages.

7. Arch

Arch is a recent addition to Linux fold. It was first launched in 2002 and was designed as “Rolling Release” that means once you install Arch operating software using built-in package management, you will always have current version installed on its own at any point of time, you don’t need to reload OS to get latest version. Rolling Release also has some more exciting implications as well. It takes months or year to incorporate new technologies. The Arch Linux installation include latest Kernel where as other distributions only include after their next release. The repository package is operated by a community. There is also an official repository which ensures the integrity of a single community repository and crucial infrastructure.

8. CentOS

CentOS, is a enterprise community operating system based on Linux framework. It was established in 2004 and is one of the largest and popular amongst Linux. It is developed for free and is not for beginners, However it intended for server use by good knowledgeable, experienced Linux experts and users who are capable of coding programs and applications which runs on the system. Its not only the operating system; there are various difference which make CentOS unique from other distributions. Other than this is being popular because of its basis in Red Hat Linux architecture, Its very stable, history of updates and long support schedules. Linux CentOS is a free alternative to anyone who wants Red Hat stability and support.

9. PCLinuxOS

PCLinux is a free and user friendly Linux based computer operating system. This distribution as a LiveCD edition that allows anyone to try PCLinuxOS without installing it on your systems. You can also install it on your Hard drive if you wish to. It has a APT package management system for easy installation of software. It has more than 12000RPM software’s package available from software repository. This operating system has a script called “mylivecd“. This script allows users to take snapshot of their current hard drive installation like all settings, applications, and documents etc. It also allows you to compress it into an ISO CD/DVD image. With the help of this you can take back up of the user data and also make your own LiveCD/DVD.

10. Puppy

According to distro tracking website “Distrowatch” Puppy Linux is one of the twenty most popular Linux distribution worldwide. It includes all applications needed for daily use. Easy to use no matter you are new to Linux or any windows user. It works fast and performs excellent or a limited Hard ware. Puppy operating system also gives you good experience on an old machine, thin client and disk-less workstations. You can install and boot from any bootable device like USBMemory, Hard disk, CD’s or DVD’s, rewritable CD’s and DVD’s and network interface. Puppy is not based on any other distribution like others does.